The Ministry of Defence has set a 2026 target for the certification of the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine, crucial for India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) programme. This timeline aims to align propulsion development with airframe readiness, mitigating delays that have hindered previous aerospace projects. The Dry Kaveri engine, designed to minimize thermal signatures, is expected to enhance the Ghatak’s stealth capabilities while allowing it to operate effectively at high altitudes. Successful certification will lead to the prototype’s rollout by late 2029, marking a significant step towards achieving strategic autonomy in air combat systems and fostering a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem through public-private collaborations.